They were ultimately well beaten away from home by promotion chasing Solihull Municipal on Saturday in a feisty and ill-tempered match. It was a game where Manor would have thought that they didn’t play too badly, but lost the key moments when they arrived. Good consistent bowling had reduced Solihull to 119-7, but Manor were unable to press home their advantage and the hosts finished on 211-9. This total included 12 penalty runs for a slow over rate! Wickets were shared between manor’s bowlers with Sahal Malvernkhar taking 3 wickets and Recordo Gordon, Clem Smith and Imran Khan 2 each. Manor’s openers, Recordo Gordon (30) and David Yeend (19) got their team off to a solid start, but in the face of some aggressive appealing and good bowling from Tyler Walsh (5-34) the visitors slumped to 115 all out with only Russell Guy (30 no) showing the required temperament to apply themself in a hostile and unpleasant environment.

At Church road on Monday it was a completely different story against struggling Studley. A magnificent partnership between the impressive Danial Chauhdry (180) and David Yeend (90) set up Manor’s huge total of 381-8 from their 50 overs. Despite fine batting from Jack Williams (95) and Stephen Rose (55) the visitors were never really in contention and they were finally dismissed for a credible 258. Recordo Gordon, Imran Khan and Kieran Carroll all grabbed two wickets each. Russell Guy also took one, but a special mention to Connor Woakes on his first team debut who ended up with 3-35 having earlier hit a quick fire 22 when Manor were batting. With a mid-table place guaranteed the Perry Barr team have given a number of their younger players the opportunity to sample 1st XI cricket over the last few weeks, and full marks to Connor for making the most of this opportunity.